The Ga East Municipal Assembly has impounded several excavators from a controversial construction project on a protected Ramsar wetland in Abokobi, sparking fresh outrage over illegal encroachment on Ghana’s environmentally sensitive areas.
According to assembly officials, the heavy machinery was being used for unpermitted works allegedly ordered by Ibrahim Faila, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of neighbouring La Nkwantanang. The seizure follows a nationwide crackdown on illegal structures on waterways and Ramsar sites, intensified after deadly floods recently hit the Greater Accra Region.
A Ga East Assembly spokesperson confirmed that the project lacked proper permits and violated Ramsar protection laws. The same spokesperson alleged that Mr. Faila has since demanded the release of the seized equipment.
Ramsar sites—internationally protected wetlands recognised under the Ramsar Convention—play a vital role in flood prevention, water purification, and biodiversity preservation. Ghana, a signatory to the treaty, has pledged to safeguard sites such as the Sakumo Ramsar site and the Densu Delta Ramsar site.
However, the alleged involvement of a high-ranking local government official in the encroachment has raised alarm over political interference in environmental enforcement. Critics say the incident exposes the double standards of some public officials, who publicly support wetland protection while privately enabling illegal development.
Ga East authorities insist the excavators will remain in custody and that legal action will proceed against those behind the project. Environmental advocates warn that without consistent enforcement—and accountability at the highest levels—Ghana risks losing its most critical ecological buffers to unchecked urbanisation.
Source – My News Ghana
